Free Lunch Before Christmas

You know the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”? Let me tell you that sometimes there are semi-free lunches.

In mid-December, the Rising Family benefited from an online marketing campaign flogging timeshare condos in Hakone, a town not far from Mt. Fuji that is famous among Tokyoites as a weekend getaway destination famous for its onsen hot spring resorts and Lake Ashi-no-ko. 

My enterprising wife had entered an online “contest” offering this luxury experience and we “won.” The catch was that we had to meet with a sales representative of the luxury condo company for 90 minutes to view a video and hear his or her pitch. If we had gone on a weekday the cost of the room and three meals would be 100 yen. Weekends were so popular that the whole family would have to pay 6,000 yen.

Why not give it a try? we thought, skeptical though we are of anything reeking of too good to be true. But I am also merciless in applying my helpless/hapless gaijin act when necessary to get out of tiresome situations. So, if there was any whiff of a scam, we’d simply hightail it outta there before partaking of anything.

The entire weekend unfolding precisely as it was explained to us pleasantly surprised me. We got a weekend in a luxury apartment with a Jacuzzi and hot spring access, three terrific meals for the whole family, in a town renowned for its scenery, for the price of a tank of gas. 

Why did we deserve this bounty? Perhaps a pre-Christmas present from fate or Karmic payback? Beats me. All I know is our salesperson was pleasant and not-too-surprised to see a foreigner show up, we fulfilled our side of the bargain, as did he. Business completed…hello relaxation.

Elena indulged in the massage chair within ten minutes of entering the apartment. 

Naomi lauded the quality of the Japanese food. Marina and I were mesmerized by the UFO-like light vortex of the Jacuzzi at night.

We all considered ourselves lucky to have had this soothing and rejuvenating experience! The only downside is that it may be hard to convince the Rising Daughters to go back to camping when the weather warms up next summer.

Merry Christmas to all

Another Christmas has come and gone.

Once again we had a wonderful day notable for its early, excited start;

Skyping with family; some spiritual soul food; some actual feasting; and the delighted shrieks of our rugrats opening their gifts.

A few Santa's helpers dropped off our Christmas cake -- one of Japan's Christmas traditions.

No, we don't eat Kentucky Fried Chicken on Dec. 25 in our household. But I might consider it if we can get a Colonel Sanders clone to deliver it. Kidding.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

I Know What We Did Last Summer Pt. 2

Part two of our summer trip to Ottawa.
Like locusts the Rising Family continues to devour everything in our path as we enter the second week of vacation at home in the nation’s capital. Our most excellent host is the Lobster King, a.k.a. my dad, and my wife and kids repeatedly indulge in the buttery seafood treat prepared by this crustacean cooking meister from the Maritimes.

Alas, for a few days, the rain dampens our appetite for outside activity, but we adapt. The solution: visit the local IKEA store. I was not surprised to find that the kids’ play area at IKEA in Ottawa is nearly identical to the one we regularly frequent in Yokohama. The difference, though, is spatial: kids are crammed into the play space in Japan while the one in Ottawa “is full” with visibly fewer children bobbing about. More likely, it is due to the perceptual differences governing personal space. Armchair sociologists eat your meatballs and analyze that. The store seemed just slightly grimier, too.

The vacation frenzy continues unabated with a jaunt to Kingston for a Chuck E. Cheese fiesta. I recall our fateful first foray to Chuck’s kingdom in Guam a few years ago. Little did I know that one day I would be willingly drawn all the way from Ottawa to Kingston to once again drop offensive amounts of cash to play video games and taste Chuck’s rubbery wares. Yet the girls had a wonderful romp ‘em stomp ‘em time. Literally hundreds of game tickets filled my pockets, soon exchanged for stickers and sugary treats which fueled further eruptions of chaos.

It never ceases to amaze me how the phrase “OK, only 15 more minutes” can produce such shrieks and cries of pint-sized anguish. One unpleasant memory was my anticipation of a nice visit to Kingston being squelched by the half-hour of high-decibel wailing from the backseat, for reasons long since forgotten, which caused us to cauterize the trip to downtown K–town and head home. No vacation is perfect, but this was a metaphoric roundhouse kick to my groin.

Beyond the day trips, family. They are the real reason, after all, for going home.

You do the best you can with the scarcest resource you have—time. We had some terrific visits with my cousins and their growing families, and with uncles and aunts, all of whom made time for us. My uncle P. hosted us for a wonderful day: Burton’s Eggs & brunch, kids running amok in his backyard, all capped with a visit to Saunder’s Farm. A taste of the country life.

And there were old friends. I got a few nights away. I am aware it’s not wise to describe any ensuing antics on social media platforms. Think of your own. One good thing about getting older is the supposed wisdom that comes with the years. Another is that you get access to more toys. My buds have great toys! Example: we were invited for a terrific pool party. It was outstanding to meet J&S at L&W’s pool and Jacuzzi. Clearly, our young’uns were enjoying la dolce vita. I even got to motorvate around Leif’s neighborhood on his motorcycle.

As our visit with my dad neared its inevitable end, Naomi, Lady E., “M” and I wanted to visit Andy Hayden Park more: chasing geese, enjoying the sunsets and the seagulls. We all appreciate the sheer space, something that is in short supply in cramped Tokyo/Yokohama. The freedom of not worrying about traffic jams and rushing the bird flocks just for the hell of it is an Ottawa activity we savor each time. So three cheers for the Andy Hayden and Britannia Beach parks. And to being able to play catch, even for a short while, with my high school buds. That can’t be purchased anywhere.

Payback #1
In the first “I Know What We Did…” installment, I noted the flight over wasn’t optimal. Well, at least it wasn’t as bad as our first Hell Airlines flight back with Elena in 2008. Still, the girls stayed awake until about two hours’ before our touchdown back in Japan.

Payback#2

Due to extended feasting, I have been spending my autumn trying to work off the tire. (Sigh.)

Epilogue: [Cheese alert] Heading into the cold of winter, as I look back and write these recollections, it leaves me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. [Groan.] The fact is the Rising Family had a great time due to the kind efforts of family (especially Dad) and friends. Thank you all very, very much.

Halloweekend

Not much to say this time, folks.
Just trick

...AND treat.

A rite of passage begins

Last weekend Marina participated in her first Sports Day as a kindergarden student. There were weeks of practice prior to the big day and we frequently heard hints of her anticipation and anxiety. Sports day is one of the highlights of the school year and M was clearly excited about it.

Sports day involves various races, events, games and dancing. The activities range from those for the hilariously uncoordinated newbies (first year students), who often seem a chaotic gaggle, and others for schoolmates in the upper grades.

Meanwhile, older siblings watch on the sidelines with a veteran’s gaze and chide the younger kids.

Sports Day is both a ritual and annual rite of passage for parents and children alike.

The grades in M’s kindergarden were divided into first, second, and third-year groups, then further divided into squads with Disney character names. (Here is where my innate skepticism noted branding’s insidious hold on society.) This being Japan, the event was organized with precision and the schedule held even with the packs of easily distracted kids roaming about, surrounded by a ring of camera-toting parents (myself included) and grandparents. The loudspeakers reminded everyone to meet here, take pictures there, teachers go here, teams go there, and so on. I am still astounded when I witness these school events; the pieces fit together like a Swiss clock each and every time.

Although she had practiced diligently and seemed eager before the event, on game day Marina feigned detachment, wasn’t really into posing for pictures, yet she gamely went through the motions: a team player to the end. Naomi was proud, and I remain bemused by the entire spectacle. I should note I have gotten used to it by now and obediently followed the audio prompts and took pictures when and where I was “encouraged” to do so. And, yeah, we were pleased and proud to see our youngest Rising Daughter take another step forward in her scholastic life.

American League Colostomy Series

We’re a few days away from the start of the 2014 World Series in Kansas City and I am a happy man.
Not because two wild card teams will meet in the fall classic.
Not because it is the KC Royals and SF Giants that are playing each other: nothing good or bad about either team. Cinderella stories both.

It’s because the Yankees didn’t make it into the playoffs and the Orioles got pummeled in the ALCS.

Source: The New Yorker

I have a Nixon-like vindictive streak and I was overjoyed when the Yankees didn’t get a wild card spot this year. Didn’t buy into the “Goodbye Jeter” merchandising of memories season either. I almost had heart palpitations from the joy of seeing the Orioles swept.
Yes, I am a sore loser.

Blue Jays’ Opening Day: such high hopes.

This season’s record of 83-79 was tolerable, but the Blue Birds didn’t live up to expectations. No revelation there. So they haven’t been in the playoffs since the back-to-back World Series wins in 1992-93 and now hold the title for the longest post-season absence bites…patience will pay off eventually. In short, this season’s bland ending doesn’t bite so hard because of the satisfaction I got from viewing the Stankees not advancing any further than the Jays did. It’s enough to get me through the winter.

Ah, I feel better now. if you bothered to read this far, thanks!

I Know What We Did Last Summer Pt.1

Anticipation was high. It was Aug. 6, and we arrived in Ottawa for our summer visit approximately the same time we’d left Japan. Family was tired but made the air journey intact. Flight connections and layovers were optimal; note that economy class aircraft seats in a Dreamliner 787 are not very dreamy. Lady E. had a seat armrest imprint on the side of her face while we were in the Toronto airport as we shuttled between lines. Immigration officials there are dressed in menacing black military-style uniforms and cargo pants. We feel slightly welcomed to Canada. Such are the times.

Exhilaration as we egress into the departure area. Canada! Grandpa warmly welcomes the girls, enveloping them with all that is good about coming home. That first night they sleep contented, but with a bewilderment fueled by jet lag and language disconnect.

The first week’s days pass quickly, spurred by shopping, park visits, riding around in the comfortable Nissan Rogue loaner (the curious magic of a sunroof) and so much delicious food. The Bulk Barn is a sugar-induced hit, shopping for Disney “Frozen” T-shirts and stickers high on the “must-do” list. Local parks are warm and tantalizingly free of mobs, all the better to acclimate to the space and the crisper temperature.

Naomi and I celebrate our anniversary downtown. This fete enabled by Grandpa’s new job as babysitter, putting my slightly nervous wife at ease so she can relax for about 18 hours. Parliament Hill’s façade at night becomes a canvas for the government to portray our idealized selves to foreign tourists, and I feel neither local nor a tourist. It’s a curious limbo, amplified by ample amounts of vino and the glow of a night out by ourselves.

We meet family after two years’ respite. Laugh and catch up, marvel as we note the extended family has transformed into a more Benetton-esque global version.

We remember my Mom and her legacy, evidenced by family members all around thinking of her and basking in each other’s company. Elena and Marina meet their distant cousin(s) and chase each other around the backyard before the grand feast of BBQ and kind words.

Pulse was raised the next day at the Aviation Museum. E & M are perplexed why we are there and the various vintage airplanes and fighter planes fail to captivate them. Sunshine had reigned the last few days, but the turbulence created by a sudden rainsquall only deepens the “spirit of adventure” felt by Stephen in an open-cockpit aircraft. He joined Dad in a triumphant flyover of downtown Ottawa. Watching this produced my own earthly high!

I hang out with my brother. We catch up. He spends ample amounts of time with his nieces, chasing them around outside and they defy the grey skies and unexpectedly cool temperatures. Cheap water pistols from the Dollarama (our store of choice) enable this gaiety.

The neighbors enjoy the girls, too. A little extreme youth brings smiles to faces with chalk faces and hopscotch boxes drawn on the driveway. Little girls’ bikes thoughtfully purchased by Grandpa offer speed and parental admonishments to “slow down!” and “use the pedal brake.” Ignored with glee. They survive the bike rides nevertheless. We reluctantly see Steve-o off to home courtesy of Via Rail. Hopefully not another two years before we all get together again.

Dad takes the girls so my wife and I can shop without distraction at WalMart. This is a truly a treat for us, now a ritual we perform for capitalism when we visit home. Naomi shows her appreciation by preparing Japanese-style curry that evening. This mild curry evening marks the mid-way point of our trip.

Crafty Catch-up / Reality Avoidance Therapy

The horrors we have seen in the news every day over the past month are disheartening: more shootings and racial unrest in the US; plane crashes in Mali and elsewhere; Russian cross-border attacks on Ukraine; the grim aftermath of the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17; Israelis and Palestinians at each other’s throats again in Gaza, ad nauseam. August is supposed to be the peak of the silly season! More than ever, world affairs are enough to drive a man to drink. There is a collective snap and hiss of beers opening around the globe whenever CNN is on the screen. 

So, during a visit to Ottawa last month, I decided that if the world is in flames, I’d prefer to douse them with suds imbibed in company of old friends. One evening, still somewhat jetlagged and therefore pliable, I thoroughly enjoyed an evening at a local tavern with “G” and “M”, of which details still remain rather fuzzy—but a pleasant fuzziness.

Then two other compadres, “M” and “L”, informed me that the National Capital Craft Beer Festival would be held during my stay…and did I want to go? Since I do partake of the occasional social I forced myself (only for old time’s sake, of course) to go. I mean, they had to drag me there, kicking and screaming.

As it turned out, the weather was less than good, but the variety and plethora of beers made up for that. 30 craft brewers plying their wares...hmm. Plus, a crowd of Ottawans drinking…means “polite” trouble.

Being responsible young-middle-aged pillars of society, we caroused just the right amount, kept our wits about us, and avoided any interaction with our esteemed law enforcement officers.

And thus did a night of many mini-beers take my mind away from the troubles of the world. Thanks, boyz.

The Beat Goes On

Our youngest has been temporarily nicknamed Raising Hell Daughter due to her ongoing temper tantrums. While the War Between the Sisters has reached a kind of détente (Elena punches back defensively now), the conflict has morphed into emotional guerrilla warfare on the family. M’s blowups sneak up and hit you at your weakest point, when you least expect it, and there is never any intel indicating one is coming.

Example 1: it is sunny and hot. Everyone is happy and we are having fun. Reward: ice cream!

M’s reaction: “my ice cream is melting.”
Us: “OK, lick it quickly. Yummy. See how?”
Reaction: “No! You fix it. Fix it. Fix it. FIX IT. FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIXXXXXIIIIIIIIIT you f#%!xxxg a---holes!

You get the picture--shrieks, rage, little girl-style punches and kicks directed at closest family member…not good.

We think it is a reaction to her displeasure in being compelled to go to kindergarten since April. But, honestly, we are not sure what has brought this on. We have asked her directly, but she communicates nothing back that pinpoints a specific cause, and the school says she is fine in the classroom. We are trying everything to prevent these fights or fits: rewards, strict orders rather than offering choices; giving control over little things when possible; advanced distraction techniques (and even giving in to the ultimate eye candy -- videos); avoiding boredom; trying to establish structure and routine.

I even created visuals to work on the root issue:

EZ Two-Step Parenting Business Strategy™

It’s difficult to manage M’s tempests once they erupt. I use my Toastmasters-honed motivational speaker voice to command her attention.
Eye content: check.
Deliberate body language: check.
Use of visuals: check.
Careful, slow explanation: check.
- “Hey, at the top E. and M. fight, creating unhappy sisters. This equals an unhappy day for everyone.”
- “Yowza, lookit that. E. and M. don’t fight. Peace is good. Happy face and reward. YEA!”
- "So, you have a choice now. What choice will it be?"

Then if that doesn’t work, we separate them.
Similar to those I make in my workplace, I use visuals to cut through the clutter and render understanding. I have repeated this pep talk a few times with the girls—repetition builds awareness, and awareness is at the top of the purchase funnel, even for kids.
But they ain’t buyin’ what I am selling right now. Especially M.

Is this a power struggle?

Little kids are constantly looking for ways to have more control, so I’m not surprised that if we let Marina have veto power, she’ll exercise it. We love our little dickens and are just going to wait out this storm as best we can.
Off to Canada soon for a visit. Earnestly hoping the long trip, jet lag, new location, patient grandpa, and the fun that is planned will jar us out of this tough stretch.

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Motorvatin’

Or, how the DMV has given me hope when recent global events have only served to depress me.

I rarely stray into world politics in this blog but resurgent violence in the Gaza and the despicable downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 in Ukraine gave me a renewed bout of non-enthusiasm about the ways of this world. Then, unexpectedly, I thought about my experience when I renewed my driver’s license, and a flicker of hope emerged in my heart. Howzat?

I grudgingly slogged out to the Licensing Center in Yokohama recently to re-up my license. But the numbingly dehumanizing experience actually gave me hope for world peace!

Namely, wherever I go to get something official from a government organization, I view numerous opaque rules, long lines, and the sight of hordes of stunned-looking people waiting like docile cattle.

We are shepherded from one line to the next. Everyone has a name yet is without individual identity. We are all in the same boat. It doesn’t what the reason is—licenses, passports, immigration lines, currency exchange…name it.
In this case, I was seeking a piece of plastic that gives me the privilege of driving.

But, in retrospect, the universal reaction of the people around me was oddly reassuring. I have realized that the general attitude of folks waiting in line seem the same the world over. This means we share the same human reaction, antipathy, to unavoidable encounters that rob us of our identity and uniqueness as homo sapiens.

Therefore, I believe we should bureaucratize our way to world peace. Bore us into accepting peace and a better world! Are you listening, United Nations? Instead of peacekeeping and peacemaking actions, balance of power realpolitik, or other means, simply have every participant to the world’s conflicts stand in line for a few hours at a large government office building. Then watch as we collectively glide into the new Era of Worldwide Peace.

Sibling Squabbles vs. Scorched Earth Parenting Policy

“I’m going to throw this crayon right through your skull,” thought Elena as she released it and watched its sizzling trajectory and impact on Marina’s forehead. Mission accomplished: squeal of surprise, visible pain, and sobs. Did I see a satisfied smirk on the perp’s face? Oh yessir, I sure did.

I witnessed this Nolan Ryanesque feat of velocity and accuracy, and had to deal the aftermath: wailing younger daughter with welt on forehead, distraught/concerned wife, and my own worries of what would be next in the saga of sibling rivalry we are facing lately.

Credit: Warner Bros.

Teasing, sparring, taunts and myriad mind games—if you have more than one kid in your house, chances are they fight using these tactics. We have seen a rising tempo of sister-fights that spiral out of control. These tend to be tiffs over who has the biggest piece of cake, who got more watermelon, who stuck out her tongue first, or who gets the preferred futon, ad nauseam. This leads to faces made, punches thrown, and parents going nuts due to relentless mental siege.

Are these brawls a sign of competing for parental attention?
Is there resentment due to different ages/different abilities?
Are the girls simply bored?
Are we parents inconsistent in how we are raising them?

To be honest, I don’t give a damn about the causes, because the cacophony of kid conflict is driving us loony and too often my temper is like magma about to erupt.

Some other examples that demonstrate we are not a perfect family:
- One daughter tossed a tea bottle at the other over the choice of TV program. This was akin to the USS Maddox firing at North Vietnamese torpedo boats during the Gulf of Tonkin incident. The action provoked a type of mental guerrilla warfare between Marina and Elena for an entire weekend (thus ruining ours).

- Just last week I nearly crammed a boiled egg into the head of my eldest rising daughter, both of our faces contorted by rage, after she threw it to the ground. She did this to emphasize her protest over a breakfast flap with her sister. The Egg Incident was the tipping point for me after several months of strained sibling relationships, constant bitching and moaning about perceived slights or infractions, and ceaseless quarreling.

- Inevitable punches and screaming in the back seat any time we spend more than 2.5 minutes in the car. I have timed it.

The mental toll has been hard. As parents, we know that as the girls get older and start to form their own distinct personalities and opinions, there will be conflict. Managing the conflict is our job. I guess we are, ahem, “not succeeding.”

Hence a change in parental policy from “three strikes” to “scorched earth.” I have gone from “I’m OK, You’re Not So O.K.” tolerance to Gen. Patton-style discipline, viz.:
Problem: Signs of hostile intent at breakfast.
Action: Zero tolerance—move one to another table. Outcome is usually blessed silence.

Problem: Back seat squabbles inside car that become louder than Marilyn Manson concerts and ruin day trips.
Action: Erect quasi Berlin Wall to keep belligerents apart.

(By the way, my informal experiments really work.)

So, when I hear unspoken words flying between my daughters like “Take my puzzle and I’ll cut you, bitch,”  I take solace that at least we are taking action against our warring youngsters and leading them to a brighter future where peace shall reign o’er the Earth…and between them.

The Sporting Life

 - A look into Elena’s school sports day -

0530: alarm clock buzzer jolts me into consciousness. I guzzle my cups of joe, quietly pack the picnic gear in a large blue IKEA bag, and set off on foot to Elena’s elementary school. Sport’s Day, baby!

I arrive near the school entrance gate (still locked) about 0630. Zoinks! There is a line of men sitting, some sprawled out on the pavement, and others sleeping with their backs against the chain link fence, in a jumbled queue that forms a perimeter around the school. This line is at least 600 meters long. I walk this band o’ dads (and all their assorted gear) with bemused calm thinking shit, there goes our seats. It’s like a line-up for Springsteen tickets.

I come across an amiable acquaintance, F-san, who kindly lets me cut into the line about 100 meters before the end. I worry that I am defying The Rules, but he assures me it’s OK and others do it, too. So I take the spot next to him. F-san says some maniacs arrive at 0300 just to ensure they will have the optimal viewing/filming spot of their child during the day’s many events. Most others arrive by 0530. I marvel again at the unwritten-yet-inviolable social etiquette that governs Japan and the manifest sense of fair play. First come, first served.

 

0700. The school gate opens. The assembled men stand up in unison, shoulder their kit, and make ready to move forward, like paratroopers getting ready to jump out of a C-47.

The group surges into the school grounds while the school’s teachers offer hearty “good mornings” but also keep an eagle eye on the line of dads who have now quickened the pace and are now speed walking toward the designated viewing areas. There are even roped-out one-way traffic lanes! We all make instant decisions on remaining open spots and spread the obligatory blue plastic sheet mark our territory. The criteria to choose the right spot is a balance among what spots are still available, estimated shade from the sun, and the visibility of the parade ground area where all the sporting events will take place.

I hurtle along the ingress route and near the very end secure a good spot wedged in between some trees. He shoots, he scores! I dump our stuff and decamp for home at 0705. The Rising Family in tow, we return about 30 minutes before sports day begins at…

Precisely 0900. On a stage in front of the review stand, the school principal opens the sports day with a barnburner speech. I daresay he even used the phrase “Yes, We Can.” The entire school’s six grades are split into four teams (red, blue, yellow and green) and marched into the playground. The principal spurs the kids into action with a “genki ippai” (be full of energy/go get ‘em tigers etc) rah-rah message. Sieg heil.

However, the speech goes on longer, and a few in the crowd of parents and grandparents nod off.

0920. Game on! The sun begins its relentless domain of the day. Several hundred spectators scramble to find shade under trees, next to school buildings, or under sun tents. I keep my Glock handy lest anyone try to take any of our precious shade. Stand your ground laws apply in our little blue plastic jurisdiction.

Oh yeah—the kids. The various sporting events commence. There are 24 of them today. All broadcast on the school’s loudspeakers so everyone knows where we are in the itinerary, so that you can gear up, set up for the photo of your kid, then trudge back to your base camp at the right time. The events feature lots of screaming in rapid-fire Japanese, waving of team color flags, and games where every kid participates, all choreographed by the sweating, smiling, and exhausted-looking teachers. The level of competition is just right—enough to encourage kids to want to win, but not enough to stoke any bloodletting in front of the family.

It is such a Japanese event, there is no better word for it. All the societal elements that make this country what it is, and enables it to somehow function seamlessly, are on display here:

- cramming vast hordes of people into a limited space and watching how everyone works together to eke out a compromise that all can live with without fisticuffs;

- amazing organization, little overt authority—instructions are visible, but the decisions seem to happen without need of heavy-handed bureaucrats. By osmosis everyone seems to understand his or her part in the scheme without undue policing by the staff. The rules may be unwritten but by God they are there.

- Photography, of course: all the little athletes are videotaped and photographed by their families for posterity.

Sporting Events (among the 24):

- PTA tug of war. Naomi participated. My turn again next year.

- Lady E. in the 50-meter sprint. She came in second in her heat.

- People running around, throwing balls into baskets, shout-outs. Zany nuttiness galore.

Sports day is a serious daylong commitment, lasting from 0900 until almost 1630. There is a constant flow of people walking around. Keep hydrated! You also learn to take a break when your kid is not involved. That’s when the social element is involved, with many greetings, bows, and quick chats. Thus, sports day is as much for the audience as it is for the kids. And lunch! The intricately prepared bento lunch boxes are unveiled at lunchtime. Naomi’s was a masterpiece.

This is the only photo of food that I have ever uploaded on a social media platform.

After lunch, the heat is fierce, the traffic flow starts up again, and the afternoon events commence. Most people stay to the very end. To officially close out the day the principal offers his assessment of the day and another motivational catalyst: “reach for the sky.”  Finally, there is the last march-around performance by all four teams – every kid in the school – accompanied by (I swear) the “Man in Motion” theme from St. Elmo’s Fire by David Foster.

Despite my usual wiseass depiction of this day, Sports Day and events like it are public displays that offer a window into what makes Japanese society function smoothly. I was very proud of Elena and her classmates’ effort.

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